Job Information
Iowa State University Assistant Teaching Professor - Materials Science and Engineering in Ames, Iowa
Position Title:Assistant Teaching Professor - Materials Science and Engineering
Appointment Type:Faculty
Job Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering at Iowa State University invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor position in Materials Science and Engineering. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2026. This is a one-year, full time, non-tenure eligible term appointment. Renewal may be possible based on performance and the availability of funding.
The primary responsibility of this position is undergraduate instruction in foundational Materials Science and Engineering courses. The successful candidate will primarily teach lower-level undergraduate courses such as Materials Engineering 2730, introductory materials science, and other core curriculum courses that support the undergraduate program. Responsibilities may also include participation in course coordination, development of instructional materials, and mentoring undergraduate students.
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for both individuals and the broader academic community. Faculty members are expected to contribute to a collaborative department culture, maintain high standards of integrity and professionalism, and participate constructively in departmental, college, and university activities.
The successful candidate should demonstrate strong commitment to high quality undergraduate teaching, effective communication skills, and the ability to engage and mentor students from a wide variety of academic backgrounds. Candidates are expected to contribute to the instructional mission of the department and support continuous improvement of the undergraduate curriculum.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Master's degree in engineering or related discipline and 3 years of relevant work experience, or a doctoral degree in engineering or related discipline
Demonstrated experience in teaching materials science or related STEM subjects
Preferred Qualifications:
Ph. D. or equivalent in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)
Demonstrated ability to develop and teach foundational undergraduate courses in Materials Science and Engineering, particularly Materials Engineering 2730 and related core courses, including experience teaching large enrollment classes (>100 students)
Experience using modern courses management systems such as Canvas to support effective instruction and student engagement
Strong commitment to high quality undergraduate teaching and student learning
Excellent communication skills and demonstrated instructional clarity
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering has 18 faculty members. To learn more about our faculty, please visit our faculty directory (https://www.mse.iastate.edu/about/faculty-and-staff/page/1/) . The Department of Materials Science and Engineering has about 100 undergraduate students and about 50 graduate students. Sponsored research expenditures of the department are over $14M per year.
For more information about our department's engineering program, see mse.iastate.edu .
Proposed Start Date:August 16, 2026
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:May 15, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:09 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Application Instructions:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by April 6th, 2026. All interested, qualified persons must apply for this position online at http://jobs.iastate.edu to Job Requisition Number R18809.
The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format:
1) Letter of application (including information about the desired rank) that briefly discusses how the candidate meets each of the preferred qualifications
2) Curriculum Vitae
3) Contact information for at least three references, including name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information
4) Other documents:
One-page teaching statementDirect questions to Shan Jiang at sjiang@iastate.edu or call 515-294-1445.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date: March 23, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:R18809
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.